When you have finally decided to visit or move and live in Spain, Castril is one of the best places to consider; particularly if you appreciate the countryside more than the coastal areas. These days, a lot more tourists and expatriates prefer the rural part of Spain. So if you are looking for a place where you can indulge in the beauty of the country's natural environment while engaging in various challenging activities that will make your life more meaningful, it is a good idea to check out Castril in Granada.
Granada is one of the eight provinces of Andalucia, Spain's second largest and most populous autonomous community which is located south of the Iberian Peninsula. Castril is one of the municipalities of Granada, and one of the villages in the Huéscar region of the Altiplano de Granada.
The village is located 157km north-east of Granada's city, on the edge of the Jaen Province. It has an altitude of 890 metres and its population as of 2002 is 2,656.
This idyllic countryside has a typical Andalucian town built around a large crag referred to as the La Pena. It is for this reason that it was known before as Castril de la Peña.
It comprises of six communities such as the Almontaras, Cebas, Fátima, Martín, Fuente Vera, and its town Castril. Take note that summers can be very hot and winter nights can be extremely cold.
The name of the town is thought to have been derived from the word 'castro' which means encampment. This is mainly because the Romans established this place as a military camp. The Moors then turned the village into a fortification where evidence of the battles from the past can still be observed. During the 16th Century, it supplied local wood and other provisions to the Spanish Armada.
When Hernando de Zafra (secretary to the Catholic Monarchs) declared the village as a 'Carta Puebla' (i.e., anyone could come and build houses to settle in the area), it became a thriving community where people with different cultures (e.g., Muslims, Christians and Jewish) lived together harmoniously.
The entire village was officially recognised as a place of great historical importance in 2001. Several historic buildings and ancient structures will leave you in awe. The typical Andalucian charm and Spanish feel can be observed from the many whitewashed houses generally decorated with Arabic wood and tiles. The narrow, cobbled and winding streets of the town make it all the more fascinating to discover the wonders of Castril. There is so much to experience in this small yet remarkable village.
Take your time exploring the Plaza Hernando de Zafra. The gardens of La Lonja located at the back of the Iglesia Nuestra Senora de los Angeles provide breathtaking views of the town. Moreover, you should also visit the Church of Santa Maria as it is one of the most captivating buildings in the area. The historic influences of Toledo and Salamanca are evident in its structure, particularly in the facade of the building. Some architectural remains (e.g., towers and bridges) of the Arabs as well as of the Romans can also be seen.
Explore the surrounding countryside through bicycling or mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Visit the market on Fridays as it is when people from different places bustle to and fro in search of fresh local produce. However, keep in mind that English is rarely spoken in this area as well as other Andalucian municipalities. Ask for guidance in the designated tourist centre. If possible, learn the language or perhaps the basics before going to Spain.
You should also check out the old glass factory which is one of the remaining tangible memories of the past, especially during the reign of Catholic Kings. Some of its products are displayed at the Sierra de Castril Natural Park's Reception or Visitor's Centre. The Peña del Sagrado Corazón is a viewpoint or Mirador in the center of the village. It is where you can enjoy a full view of the stunning backdrop of the surrounding countryside. This and the El Cantón viewpoint must be a part of your to-go list.
Visit the cafes, bars and restaurants in town to savor the local wine and famed home cooking at very reasonable prices. Fresh fish and meat dishes cooked with olive oil, almonds and other easily obtainable natural ingredients await those with eager and picky taste buds. Salads and sweets will add up to a wonderful experience along with the cheerfulness of the locals. Ferias (fairs) and festivals held during August, October and April (Romeria festival) as well as the running of bulls and other astounding Spanish activities or traditions must be witnessed to complete your awesome adventure.
This rugged mountainous region is known for its outstanding geological features and a wide variety of indigenous flora and fauna. The mountain ranges (Sierra) of Castril was proclaimed a natural park in 1989. Its altitude ranges from 900m to over 2,000m and is located in the northern part of the village.
You can indulge in its refreshing springs, astonishing waterfalls, steep cliffs, dramatically-eroded gorges and awe-inspiring caves. It has six signposted walks that starts from the visitors' centre of the park, 200m from the village. Numerous water sports await at the rivers and reservoirs of the park.
Austrian pines dominate the peaks of the Sierra while junipers, maples and oaks grow on the slopes. A diversity of plants such as poplars, willows and ash trees can be found along the river of Castril. Its main river, Río Castril, is a sanctuary to a plethora of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Castril is one of the few places in Spain wherein significant traces of diverse cultures and historical influences are truly evident and maintained. Being a part of Andalucia is more than enough evidence of its rich culture as well as its abundance of exceptional flora and fauna. So if you want to live in a picturesque and laid-back countryside part of Spain where the real Andalucian and Spanish culture exist, take time in learning about Castril along with other regions. It is a must to be well-informed.
Granada is one of the eight provinces of Andalucia, Spain's second largest and most populous autonomous community which is located south of the Iberian Peninsula. Castril is one of the municipalities of Granada, and one of the villages in the Huéscar region of the Altiplano de Granada.
The village is located 157km north-east of Granada's city, on the edge of the Jaen Province. It has an altitude of 890 metres and its population as of 2002 is 2,656.
This idyllic countryside has a typical Andalucian town built around a large crag referred to as the La Pena. It is for this reason that it was known before as Castril de la Peña.
It comprises of six communities such as the Almontaras, Cebas, Fátima, Martín, Fuente Vera, and its town Castril. Take note that summers can be very hot and winter nights can be extremely cold.
The name of the town is thought to have been derived from the word 'castro' which means encampment. This is mainly because the Romans established this place as a military camp. The Moors then turned the village into a fortification where evidence of the battles from the past can still be observed. During the 16th Century, it supplied local wood and other provisions to the Spanish Armada.
When Hernando de Zafra (secretary to the Catholic Monarchs) declared the village as a 'Carta Puebla' (i.e., anyone could come and build houses to settle in the area), it became a thriving community where people with different cultures (e.g., Muslims, Christians and Jewish) lived together harmoniously.
Activities and Attractions
The entire village was officially recognised as a place of great historical importance in 2001. Several historic buildings and ancient structures will leave you in awe. The typical Andalucian charm and Spanish feel can be observed from the many whitewashed houses generally decorated with Arabic wood and tiles. The narrow, cobbled and winding streets of the town make it all the more fascinating to discover the wonders of Castril. There is so much to experience in this small yet remarkable village.
Take your time exploring the Plaza Hernando de Zafra. The gardens of La Lonja located at the back of the Iglesia Nuestra Senora de los Angeles provide breathtaking views of the town. Moreover, you should also visit the Church of Santa Maria as it is one of the most captivating buildings in the area. The historic influences of Toledo and Salamanca are evident in its structure, particularly in the facade of the building. Some architectural remains (e.g., towers and bridges) of the Arabs as well as of the Romans can also be seen.
Explore the surrounding countryside through bicycling or mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Visit the market on Fridays as it is when people from different places bustle to and fro in search of fresh local produce. However, keep in mind that English is rarely spoken in this area as well as other Andalucian municipalities. Ask for guidance in the designated tourist centre. If possible, learn the language or perhaps the basics before going to Spain.
You should also check out the old glass factory which is one of the remaining tangible memories of the past, especially during the reign of Catholic Kings. Some of its products are displayed at the Sierra de Castril Natural Park's Reception or Visitor's Centre. The Peña del Sagrado Corazón is a viewpoint or Mirador in the center of the village. It is where you can enjoy a full view of the stunning backdrop of the surrounding countryside. This and the El Cantón viewpoint must be a part of your to-go list.
Visit the cafes, bars and restaurants in town to savor the local wine and famed home cooking at very reasonable prices. Fresh fish and meat dishes cooked with olive oil, almonds and other easily obtainable natural ingredients await those with eager and picky taste buds. Salads and sweets will add up to a wonderful experience along with the cheerfulness of the locals. Ferias (fairs) and festivals held during August, October and April (Romeria festival) as well as the running of bulls and other astounding Spanish activities or traditions must be witnessed to complete your awesome adventure.
The Sierra de Castril Natural Park
This rugged mountainous region is known for its outstanding geological features and a wide variety of indigenous flora and fauna. The mountain ranges (Sierra) of Castril was proclaimed a natural park in 1989. Its altitude ranges from 900m to over 2,000m and is located in the northern part of the village.
You can indulge in its refreshing springs, astonishing waterfalls, steep cliffs, dramatically-eroded gorges and awe-inspiring caves. It has six signposted walks that starts from the visitors' centre of the park, 200m from the village. Numerous water sports await at the rivers and reservoirs of the park.
Austrian pines dominate the peaks of the Sierra while junipers, maples and oaks grow on the slopes. A diversity of plants such as poplars, willows and ash trees can be found along the river of Castril. Its main river, Río Castril, is a sanctuary to a plethora of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Castril is one of the few places in Spain wherein significant traces of diverse cultures and historical influences are truly evident and maintained. Being a part of Andalucia is more than enough evidence of its rich culture as well as its abundance of exceptional flora and fauna. So if you want to live in a picturesque and laid-back countryside part of Spain where the real Andalucian and Spanish culture exist, take time in learning about Castril along with other regions. It is a must to be well-informed.